tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post4980065779714901389..comments2024-03-28T22:25:28.391-04:00Comments on J.Crew Aficionada: J.Crew Factory {winning me over}Alexis {J.Crew Aficionada}http://www.blogger.com/profile/01823796392253094261noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-77673714871463699702013-04-15T02:32:10.898-04:002013-04-15T02:32:10.898-04:00*Factory not Facotry
Whoops!*Factory not Facotry<br />Whoops!adc91https://www.blogger.com/profile/04301031564168414333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-28323206197925252432013-04-15T02:30:32.836-04:002013-04-15T02:30:32.836-04:00Here's how it works. Factory has two lines.
1...Here's how it works. Factory has two lines.<br /><br />1) Retail Remakes:We take proven sellers from retail and re-design them to fit into a factory price point. Example: we may use a cotton-cashmere blend instead of 100% cashmere for our men's sweaters. By doing this, we maintain recognition as a J. Crew affiliate by offering a familiar product to our clients who are well-versed in retail!<br /><br />2)Facotry Exclusives: As factory's client-base grows, we can begin establishing ourself as a brand. In order to do this, we must design product specifically tailored to the needs of Factory's average client. These items are specific to Factory stores and are not based on retail merchandise. As our Retail affiliate elevates their line (and inevitably their price point) factory begins to fill in the disparity between itself and retail.<br /><br /> J. Crew factory does not sell damaged merchandise, irregular merchandise or low-performing products anymore. Those items are now sold at warehouse sales, sample sales and clearance stores in Asheville, North Carolina and Lynchburg, Virginia. adc91https://www.blogger.com/profile/04301031564168414333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-42164280621471700282013-04-15T02:16:13.049-04:002013-04-15T02:16:13.049-04:00J. Crew is elevating its retail line to more of a ...J. Crew is elevating its retail line to more of a runway-ready high fashion collection. In order to do that, they have to make factory their bread and butter. In turn, factory's quality is getting better but our items will always be a little more basic than retail's!adc91https://www.blogger.com/profile/04301031564168414333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-71798641799361876042013-04-15T02:12:21.145-04:002013-04-15T02:12:21.145-04:00It definitely is. Factory is really working toward...It definitely is. Factory is really working towards establishing itself as an independent brand. Notice how it's still based in J. Crew style, but also more basic and distinguishably for a seemingly younger client (who probably has college loans!). <br /><br />Basically, factory supports retail. adc91https://www.blogger.com/profile/04301031564168414333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-49038384239486367042012-02-29T21:45:40.221-05:002012-02-29T21:45:40.221-05:00I have spent $750 at Factory in the past week comp...I have spent $750 at Factory in the past week completely replacing my spring wardrobe and I am very impressed with the quality, price, and the variety of colors and textures. I have taken a few things back due to fit, but I caught the additional 30 and 40% off sale and am very happy. For everything I got (over 20 items) I can't imagine the fortune I would have spent at retail. The Winnie Pants, which are a version of the Minnie at retail actually fit me better and are much more comfortable. I can't tell the difference in quality and my best friend has said the same.Sarah Davis https://www.blogger.com/profile/03391334509425143031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-31305948453714557722012-02-29T13:09:59.729-05:002012-02-29T13:09:59.729-05:00I have had good experiences with cotton from the F...I have had good experiences with cotton from the Factory, but I have also found that items fit more generously than retail. In that vein, can anyone comment on the Factory Jenny Dress? :Dpretty addictedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01066989923452846622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-3366459306966867922012-02-29T12:57:03.871-05:002012-02-29T12:57:03.871-05:00This past Christmas, I did most of my shopping onl...This past Christmas, I did most of my shopping online through J.Crew Factory (it was a t-shirts and pajama pants themed year). The Factory tees have held up as well as any of the retail versions that I've ever bought. Regular J.Crew used to have all kinds of cute graphic tees...I wonder when they decided to make that mainly a Factory thing?Whitneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09430359756472736482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-71329439734261340822012-02-29T11:14:00.004-05:002012-02-29T11:14:00.004-05:00ChrisL, these days Factory merchandise is specific...ChrisL, these days Factory merchandise is specifically made for Factory. They have their own complete line, much of which is cheaper versions of current or past retail items. Occasionally you will see overstocks or damaged items from past seasons from regular retail J.Crew. For example, a few months ago I found a merino lea cardigan from Fall 2008 at my factory store that had obviously had holes repaired. They also had a ton of this one style of collection pant and this one really ugly dress. Occasionally they even get current season retail items.<br /><br />The clearance stores in NC and VA also get a ton of damaged stuff and overstocks which go in the warehouse sales and in the clearance stores themselves. I imagine some of it goes to the NYC sample sales, too, but I really don't know for sure.J.CrewJDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07464373354705821248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-74121721563647067762012-02-29T11:04:05.871-05:002012-02-29T11:04:05.871-05:00Would someone mind explaining how J.Crew Factory w...Would someone mind explaining how J.Crew Factory works? I've always been mystified as to where the products come from. Are they damaged or overstock from previous seasons? Or are they made new just for Factory? Does anyone know where regular J.Crew post-season overstock actually goes, if not to the Factory stores? Thanks!ChrisLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488119106576509418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-61520189850722743632012-02-29T10:03:57.831-05:002012-02-29T10:03:57.831-05:00I just received the factory madras popover and I h...I just received the factory madras popover and I have to say I don't see a huge difference between it and the perfect shirts from the retail store. I know, not an apples to apples comparison, but in terms of fabric and construction they seem very similar. Then again, as others have mentioned, factory prices aren't so factory-like unless you get a promo or actually go to the store. I've also had luck with the factory jeans, which I got for $40 or something with promo + educator discount (because I was there in person), and it was a fairly cheap way for me to try out the skinny jeans trend.annabellohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06564990180519111771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-43801133574377340852012-02-29T01:22:22.258-05:002012-02-29T01:22:22.258-05:00The funny thing about the Factory Trench is that i...The funny thing about the Factory Trench is that if you pay with PayPal, it actually shows up as "Icon Trench" as the item in the PayPal checkout window. I think it is just the same/slightly shorter version of the original with the Factory tag sewn into the collar. I've found that with a few Factory items years later; they are literally the exact same, which makes me think they are re-labeled original leftovers that they're hoping no one notices are exactly that. Also, PS if you want to access the Factory site when the link isn't on the orignal J.Crew page, just go to: www.jcrew.com/factory.jsp (OURTREAT code works, but you won't get free shipping over $175 even if your order post-code exceeds that amount).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-31965860137658885852012-02-28T22:31:58.400-05:002012-02-28T22:31:58.400-05:00The whole factory thing kinda confuses me, since I...The whole factory thing kinda confuses me, since I`m used to the idea of outlets being leftovers and samples, but I`m pretty darn pleased with my 2 recent factory purchases- the two-pocket chambray and the popsicle pink maxi check shirt! Both super pretty and good quality!thatdamngreendresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01447077996033438075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-43302646599550564302012-02-28T21:41:25.753-05:002012-02-28T21:41:25.753-05:00I am a pretty big fan of factory items. I never h...I am a pretty big fan of factory items. I never had one near me until recently (yay Potomac Mills!), but whenever I could get to one, I always found really cute items for a pretty decent price.<br /><br />Some of my most favorite items in my closet are factory items...including a handful of printed dresses (in some gorgeous re-issues of prints like the large ikat and cherry blossom), the Bellas (the wool used is super soft and the colors are delicious), and the cap sleeve popovers that they issue every year. <br /><br />Their jewelry is also nicely made, and many of the pieces I own are in heavy rotation.<br /><br />I doubt I would ever purchase their shoes, bags, or poly pieces, if I want that type of fabric I will head to Target instead. ;)dinagideonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17892195449655319256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-92136847485108455032012-02-28T20:58:17.640-05:002012-02-28T20:58:17.640-05:00Several years back (3 or 4) I purchased the J. Cr...Several years back (3 or 4) I purchased the J. Crew icon trench in black and was so sorry I didn't get it in the khaki color. I decided I would get it this spring and the style has changed. I didn't care for the fit at all. I noticed that the factory had a "classic trench in khaki and checked out the details. I realized it was like the original icon trench. I ordered it during the 20% off. I am so happy I did. the quality is very good for the price and the styling and fit is exactly the same as far as I can tell to my original icon trench (it may be a tad shorter). If you're looking for older classic styles, check it out, you never know what you'll find. It can be hit or miss at the factory. This was truly a big hit!BJDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03997314080955475480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-50007589572068171952012-02-28T20:29:27.180-05:002012-02-28T20:29:27.180-05:00Thanks for the mention, Alexis!
Being in Canada,...Thanks for the mention, Alexis! <br /><br />Being in Canada, I can only order Factory stuff online and I notice that the nicest colours always sell out really quickly. Plus the prices keep bouncing up and down. For example, the factory skimmers, I managed to get them for $35 but now they are back to full price. I do wish I had ordered a few more things to try out during the 30 + 30 promo, because that was one of the best I had seen in a while. I ordered the 2-pocket chambray shirt last summer and was pleasantly surprised with the quality, plus it was a fraction of the cost of the retail version of the chambray shirt. Fingers crossed there will be a Factory version of the gingham shirt which is of comparable quality to the older version of the gingham shirt (see my earlier review on the current retail version, which should be avoided at all costs!).Louise @ INGREDIENTShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09883303245642039938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-23325705603368446382012-02-28T20:12:14.727-05:002012-02-28T20:12:14.727-05:00I'm torn on Factory items. Lately the quality ...I'm torn on Factory items. Lately the quality is definitely better, but frankly I'm starting to lose sight of what the difference is between Factory and regular retail. And I think that's confusing for the customer in general. <br /><br />I've always felt that an 'outlet' store should be a real outlet where one can hunt for treasures amid the riffraff, or at least buy "irregulars" (I just dated myself, lol) or overstock. I've always been put off by brands that produce secondary lines for outlet locations. To me, what's the point? I know high fashion houses do it all the time, but it just seems a little silly for a mass merchant to do it.<br /><br />Instead of having these crazy madhouse clearance sales all over the country, it seems to me they'd be better off making their 'outlet stores' real outlets for those sad little items languishing in the sale section online and in stores. Then it could all get cleared out for real!<br /><br />All that said, I have no issue with Factory stuff. I just don't have serious love for it. Overall I don't care for Factory shoes or most of the Factory jewelry or other accessories, but you can get some fabulous stuff on sale if you go at the right time. And as some have pointed out, it's great for basics like tees and jeans.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00193483506777142971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-9441243718036865232012-02-28T19:33:30.932-05:002012-02-28T19:33:30.932-05:00I buy Factory off and on, when I find something re...I buy Factory off and on, when I find something really lovely. More so now that it's available online. I recently ordered the Factory pencil skirt because I adored the brilliant blue color but wasn't expecting to fall for the fit. It was perfect and the cotton is quite substantial. Also grabbed a mini skirt on my last trip to an outlet mall with the fam. Those are still incrediblely well made if not a little shorter than retail. All in all, I go to Factory items for more casual pieces that I tend to abuse during the summer months and the like.D*skahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06231271723410897584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-10437385508438627232012-02-28T18:06:22.986-05:002012-02-28T18:06:22.986-05:00Cass, I'm with you on the pencil skirts. I bo...Cass, I'm with you on the pencil skirts. I bought one this year and I do like it but it is too short for everyday business wear.<br /><br />I like the tees, they used to be thicker than the retail versions and the graphics were cute, the two dogs, the art supply, etc.xoxohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12336645422459479330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-81201376729086470722012-02-28T18:02:05.210-05:002012-02-28T18:02:05.210-05:00I'm still not really sold on Factory. The cot...I'm still not really sold on Factory. The cotton items seem to be pretty good, but they used to offer some silk items, but now it's polyester (i.e. the factory natasha top is made of polyester). Also, all of the skirts and dresses are shorter than retail versions, probably to save $ on fabric. For example, none of the pencil skirts are longer than 21.5" which is too short for me :(WRAFPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13652924141617999701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-41708447040616019862012-02-28T17:46:19.626-05:002012-02-28T17:46:19.626-05:00I used to love the Factory. But the prices have st...I used to love the Factory. But the prices have started to be less and less "factory" prices, and that irks me. Especially when the prices do not reflect the lesser quality. I've resorted to shopping elsewhere mostly this season where the clothes are just as cute and half the price.AJ Candrianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01258126486138240773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-81216578327127888502012-02-28T17:21:24.909-05:002012-02-28T17:21:24.909-05:00I have made a grand total of one factory purchase,...I have made a grand total of one factory purchase, the solid ripstop field jacket (to replace the regular JCrew one I left somewhere during a trip -- waaah!). I am very, very pleased with the fit, quality, and price. I will not hesitate to buy factory again.Strmywethrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01138977985078569738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-10817083022559346642012-02-28T17:18:16.743-05:002012-02-28T17:18:16.743-05:00I'm on the factory wagon. I don't like pa...I'm on the factory wagon. I don't like paying a lot, it is in my blood and the Factory allows me to find some Jcrew clothing I love at a lower price. Not all items are created equally but some are or even better as others have pointed out. I also like to be able to catch some items that I missed or purchased the wrong size on like the Factory boy shirt in sailor stripe. <br /><br />Overall I am pleased and I have also noticed that they have had better offerings lately, better colors, fabrics and cuts so cheers to that. <br /><br />I wonder if this is strategic? Make Jcrew Retail prices higher and position Factory to appeal to the budget shoppers? Either way, it works for me.MegCrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13749008268323578897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-8703751400513635252012-02-28T16:57:55.568-05:002012-02-28T16:57:55.568-05:00I just bought the Factory Ivy sweater at the J Cre...I just bought the Factory Ivy sweater at the J Crew Clearance store and am very pleased with the substantial weight of the cotton as well as the pattern and fit. I also got an embossed cotton dress last year that is very well made and one of my summer favorites. I have a factory Bella that is quite nice as well even if the fabric is just slightly thinner wool it is still very nice. They do come out with some nice items as well as some very poor quality "knock offs" of regular J Crew items.Awakening my Wardrobehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11657836778192537111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-74644919994985299122012-02-28T16:55:26.717-05:002012-02-28T16:55:26.717-05:00I honestly can't see the incentive in buying t...I honestly can't see the incentive in buying the retail jeans when the factory jeans are so much cheaper and really good quality! I've worn my pairs to death (which takes awhile!). LOVE.teeny84https://www.blogger.com/profile/16129836795954858392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-17382074573955098812012-02-28T16:06:45.099-05:002012-02-28T16:06:45.099-05:00Great post! I've said it before, and I'll...Great post! I've said it before, and I'll say it again. . .I'm a JCrew Factory fan! Pencil skirts are great quality, the jewelry is cute and cheaper, and sweaters are almost always cotton! Once in awhile there is a miss, but the same goes at JCrew. . .I'm looking at you Linen Dolman Sleeve Tee . .practically see-through in the Blue sea color?!CCShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15098955741052365723noreply@blogger.com